Station
Means any place on a line of railway at which traffic is dealt with, or at which an authority to proceed is given under the system of working. (G.R. 1.02(51))
Differences Between Block Stations and Non-Block Stations (G.R.1.02(52), 1.03(2), (3), S.R.4.35(4,5))
| Block Station | Non-Block Station |
|---|---|
| Authority to proceed is given to Loco Pilots | Authority to proceed is not given |
| Signals are provided | Signals are not provided |
| Station Master shall manage the station | CC/Contractor will manage the station |
| SM/ASM shall work round the clock | CC/contractor may work for round the clock or specified periods only |
| Station staff shall exchange all right signals | Exchange of all right signals is not required |
| Station limits are between two outermost signals | Station limits are between platform ends |
| All trains shall stop at station when signal is at ‗ON‘ or as per WTT | Trains shall stop and start according to Working Time Table |
| As per Absolute Block System these are classified as ‗A‘, ‗B‘, ‗C‘ and Special class stations | These stations are also known as ‗D‘ class station. Loco Pilot can identify approach of this station by ―H‖ board |
| Station Master shall arrange to announce to start a passenger carrying train | Such announcement is not required |
Classification of Stations (G.R./S.R. 1.03)
1. Broad Categories
Stations are classified into Block Stations and Non-Block Stations:
Block Stations: Stations where the Loco Pilot must obtain an Authority to Proceed to enter the block section.
Non-Block Stations (Class „D‟): Stopping places between two consecutive block stations, not forming the boundary of any block section.
2. Block Station Subclasses (Absolute Block System)
| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Class „A‟ | Line Clear cannot be given unless the reception line is clear for ≥400 meters beyond the Home Signal (or up to the Starter). |
| Class „B‟ | Line Clear can be given before clearing the station section for the train. |
| Class „C‟ | Line Clear cannot be given unless the entire preceding train has passed ≥400 meters beyond the Home Signal (includes Intermediate Block Posts). |
| Special Class | Stations that cannot be classified as A/B/C. |
Non-Block Stations (Class „D‟) are identified by an “H” board for Loco Pilots.
Classification details must be mentioned in the Station Working Rules (SWR) and Working Time Table (WTT).
3. Minimum Fixed Signal Equipment
- ✓
Class „B‟ Stations: -Distant, Home, and Starter signals (for single/double lines).
- ✓
Class „C‟ Stations: -Distant and Home signals (for single/double lines).
- ✓
Additional signals may be provided as needed.
Station Section (G.R. 1.02(54))
Applies to Class „B‟ stations only.
Double Line:
- ✓
Between outermost facing points and LSS (Last Stop Signal).
- ✓
Or between BSLB (Block Section Limit Board) and LSS.
Single Line:
- ✓
Between SLB/Advanced Starters (if present).
- ✓
Or between outermost facing points if no SLB/Advanced Starters exist.